Lagos Court Remands Five for Illegal Waste Dumping
A Lagos Magistrates’ Court sitting in Oshodi has ordered the remand of five men in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly dumping waste into a canal along the Igando-Iba Road Link Bridge, in defiance of Lagos State environmental laws.
The suspects—Quassim Jamiu (44) and Ayo Jamiu (18), both from Kwara State; Alexander Innocent (40) from Akwa Ibom; Oparinde Taiwo (55) from Ogun State; and Moses Adelowokan (76) from Osun State were arrested by operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Task Force and other security agencies while offloading waste from a lorry into the drainage channel.
The arrest comes just hours after the Lagos State Government reiterated its warning against indiscriminate waste disposal and promised to enforce environmental protection laws to the fullest.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the incident and stated that the remand of the five individuals aligns with the state’s renewed commitment to environmental discipline,
“The state will ensure diligent prosecution of all arrested individuals to serve as a deterrent to others harbouring similar intentions,” Wahab said in a statement.
Under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, offenders risk up to three months in prison, a fine of ₦250,000, or both, if found guilty of such infractions.
The Commissioner also reminded residents that the government has licensed Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators across all wards and urged Lagosians to make use of these services rather than resort to illegal dumping.
This arrest follows a broader statewide crackdown on environmental violations. In February 2025, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) apprehended over 25 individuals for illegal dumping in the Alimosho area, including six motorists caught using their vehicles to discard waste along public roads.
Environmental advocacy groups have applauded the government’s tough stance, calling for continued surveillance, prosecution, and public education to ensure cleaner streets and healthier communities.
The five accused are expected to reappear in court in the coming weeks as legal proceedings commence.
